Livestock watering method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The freezeless method for watering livestock, in one embodiment, is a method and means to provide water to livestock using a well, trough and a piston pump that is activated and powered by the animal. The animal uses its nose to push a plate on a lever apparatus that is attached to the pump. The pushing motion causes a rod to move the piston pump, which in turn raises water to the surface via piping into the trough where the animal drinks the water. The animal continues to pump the lever apparatus until the desired amount of water is consumed. By using a drain means and insulation means, the apparatus operates in freezing temperatures without the use of a power or heat source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] It is well-known in the art to use an apparatus or method to provide water and other fluids to domesticated animals. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,956, which is comprised of an apparatus for providing a fresh supply of water to small animals on a ground surface, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,221, a pet watering device with sensor. Also see U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,784, which describes a device for delivering fluid to livestock using a reservoir and gravity.

[0002] The use of pumps in combination with water storage tanks or wells has also been used for some time. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,707, which provides a livestock watering system comprised of an underground water storage tank with a pump means connected for pumping water to the ground level, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,158, a method and apparatus involving a pump and piping network for raising water from a well and distributing the water at ground level. Also see U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,934, which discloses an animal waterer with drinking fountain and pump.

[0003] It is also known to use an animal waterer that is activated or operable by an animal. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,873 which provides for an animal operable watering valve connected to a water container and U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,784, a method and means for circulating fluid to livestock involving a drinker actuated by the animal. Also see U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,221, which discloses a device and method for watering a pet involving a sensor that opens a valve when the pet is detected near the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the Invention to overcome limitations in the prior art of water pumps and troughs that require electricity and/or human activation and supervision, without resorting to complex and expensive pumping mechanisms, sensors, valves and intricate piping to provide water to animals. The existing prior art inadequately addresses the need for an animal waterer that is relatively inexpensive, can be located in remote areas, does not require a large square area and does not require electricity, or human activation or supervision.

[0005] The only prior art which discloses an invention that utilizes a similar pumping mechanism used in conjunction with a water well and trough, that is completely powered and monitored by an animal and may operate in freezing temperatures without need for supervision, maintenance or frequent replenishment, was a system invented by Walter Diehl and made locally public by him, although not patented. It was with Walter's blessing that I continued the work on his initial concept and developed this Invention. Walter has since deceased. This prior art has been improved upon by the Invention, as outlined below, and the claims made for the Invention are new to the Invention.

[0006] The Invention relates to a method and means for providing water to animals, namely livestock. The Invention has particular application (but is not thereby limited) in the field of cattle farming, where it is particularly beneficial to the farmer to have the ability to provide water to cattle at all hours, in remote locations and in various weather conditions, without requiring the presence of the farmer to monitor the water level or activate the pump to fill the trough, nor the need for electricity, large capital investment, large square area or ongoing maintenance.

[0007] These and other objects and advantages of the Invention are apparent in the following descriptions of the preferred embodiments of the Invention, which are not intended to limit in any way the scope or the claims of the Invention. The particular improvements on the Diehl prior art include:

[0008] 1) Size, shape and weight of hood

[0009] which allows installation without the use of heavy equipment

[0010] does not provide corners that animals can rub on which could damage the facility

[0011] is enclosed on top to prevent birds from perching on top and contaminating the water in the trough

[0012] 2) The drain back prevention means makes the invention acceptable environmentally. Without it, the saliva of watering animals could drain back into the water source, contaminating the water in the well and possibly acquifers that would impact neighboring wells.

[0013] 3) The insulation system prevents freezing of the piping and the water in the well. Without this system, the device has proven to freeze up. This includes an insulation sleeve and lid in the culvert and insulation under the surrounding pad.

[0014] 4) The drain means is a {fraction (7/64)} inch hole drilled into the piping 5 feet below the lid.

[0015] 5) A two-position system for the lever means allows for a greater mechanical advantage for deeper wells.

[0016] 6) Two sizes of pumping means have been developed to accommodate deeper wells.

[0017] 7) A nitrile cup has been incorporated in the pumping means which creates less drag, thus requiring less pressure by the animal to do the pumping. This cup will also last much longer than a leather cup in the pumping means.

[0018] 8) The recommendation of a cement pad surrounding the culvert, incorporating a frost barrier between the culvert and the cement pad, is another environmental necessity to prevent contamination seeping into the water source.

[0019] 9) Where a large number of animals require it, two or more pumping units are assembled on one lid.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The preferred embodiment of the Invention displays a preferred composition but is not intended to limit the scope of the Invention. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and essential elements of the Invention.

[0021] The preferred embodiment of the Invention is a method and means comprised of a well 1, culvert 2, lid 3, pumping means 4, piping 5, intake valve 6, drain back prevention means 7, drain means 8, pumping rod 9, hood 10, lever means 11, plate 12, walled trough 15, suspending and access means 16, platform 17, insulation pad 18, an animal 20, insulation lid 21, insulation sleeve 22, and dugout 23. The preferred embodiment of the Invention uses a well 1 created by drilling into a ground water source or trenching from a dugout 23.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. One (1) is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the Invention (not to scale) showing four types of applications.

[0023] FIG. Two (2) is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the Invention.

[0024] FIG. Three (3) is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the Invention in use.

[0025] FIG. Four (4) is a perspective close-up view of the insulation lid 21 and sleeve 22 used in the Invention.

[0026] FIG. Five (5) is a perspective close-up view of the intake valve 6.

[0027] FIG. Six (6) is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the Invention (to scale), showing a single, double and dugout installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] FIG. One (1) illustrates a cross-sectional of the preferred embodiment of the Invention (not to scale) comprised of well 1, culvert 2, lid 3, pumping means 4, piping 5, intake valve 6, drain means 8, pumping rod 9, hood 10, walled trough 15, suspending and access means 16, platform 17, insulation pad 18, insulation lid 21, insulation sleeve 22 and dugout 23.

[0029] The pumping means 4 (available in two sizes for varying depths of wells and sizes of casings), pumping rod 9, and piping 5 are placed in a vertical position within the culvert 2 so that the intake valve 6 is immersed in the well 1 and the drain back prevention means 7 (not shown) is positioned such that the water from the well 1 is drawn through the intake valve 6, through the piping 5 through the drain back prevention means 7 and into the walled trough 15. The drain back prevention means 7 is attached at the top end of the piping 5 such that the water in the walled trough 15 does not re-enter the well 1 and possibly contaminate the water in the well 1. However, the water in the piping 5 below the drain back prevention means 7 does drain back into the well 1 down to the level of the drain means 8. An insulation lid 21 and sleeve 22 is inserted into the culvert 2 to prevent freezing. A hood 10 is placed on the lid 3 around the lever means 11 (not shown). The lever means 11 is attached to the pumping rod 9 by means of the connecting device 14 (not shown) and the hood 10 by means of the connecting bolt 19 (not shown). The lower end of the pumping rod 9 is attached to the pumping means 4. The plate 12 (not shown) is attached to the lever means 11. The drain back prevention means 7 also prevents the lever means 11 from contacting the pumping rod 9. The suspending and access device 16 is cut in the sides of the hood 10 for the purpose of suspending the assembled pump during maintenance and to access the pumping rod 9 during assembly. The water in the well 1 can come from a natural aquifer in the ground or by trenching from a dugout 23.

[0030] FIG. Two (2) illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment of the Invention, comprised of culvert 2, lid 3, drain back prevention means 7, pumping rod 9, hood 10, lever means 11, plate 12, rod stop 13, connecting device 14, walled trough 15, suspending and access device 16 and connecting bolt 19 (two positions being available for two different mechanical advantages).

[0031] A hood 10 is placed on the lid 3 around the lever means 11. The lever means 11 is attached to the pumping rod 9 by the connecting device 14 and to the hood by the connecting bolt 19. The plate 12 is attached to the lever means 11. A rod stop 13 is attached to the pumping rod 9 to position the lever means 11 and plate 12 appropriately for the animal 20 (not shown) to pump water.

[0032] FIG. Three (3) illustrates the preferred embodiment of the Invention in use, comprised of culvert 2, lid 3, hood 10, lever means 11, plate 12, walled trough 15, suspending and access means 16, platform 17, and animal 20.

[0033] A hole of suitable diameter is drilled into the ground until water is reached, or trenching is completed from a dugout 23 (not shown), creating a well 1 (not shown). The culvert 2 is inserted into the hole so that it stands in a vertical position. The pumping means 4 (not shown), pumping rod 9 (not shown), and piping 5 (not shown) are inserted into the culvert 2, so that the intake valve 6 (not shown) is immersed in the water contained in the well 1. The drain back prevention means 7 (not shown) is positioned on top of the piping 5 so that the water from the well 1 can be pumped by the pumping means 4, through the piping 5, via the pumping rod 9 through the drain back prevention means 7 and into the walled tough 15. The culvert 2 and lid 3 are insulated to prevent the water from freezing while in the piping 5. A lid 3 is placed on top of the culvert 2. A hood 10 is placed over the lever means 11 and fastened to the lid 3. The walled trough 15 and hood 10 are attached to the lid 3 which is attached to the culvert 2 at a height suitable for the animal 20 to drink. The culvert 2, lid 3, hood 10, and walled trough 15 are of a durable steel material, to endure the pressure exerted by the animal 20 on these components, and to protect the lever means 4 and pumping rod 9 from damage. The drain back prevention means 7, hood 10, lever means 11, rod stop 13, and walled trough 15 are powder coated to prevent rusting in the outdoor environment. The lever means 11 with plate 12 is attached to the pumping rod 9 and the hood 10. A platform 17 should be placed around the culvert 2 to reduce the effect of the spilled water such as the creation of puddles and holes caused by hoof action near the culvert 2, to prevent any spilled water from seeping through the ground and contaminating the well 1, and to prevent the pressure of the weight of the animal 20 from driving the frost down to a level that might freeze the water in the well 1. The animal 20 steps onto the platform 17 and places its nose and mouth in the walled trough 15. The animal 20 pushes the plate 12 attached to the lever means 11 and the pumping rod 9 which activates the pumping means 4. The plate 12 is of an acrylic material to increase the comfort of the animal 20 when pushing the plate 12 and prevent the wet nose of the animal 20 from adhering to the cold plate 12 in lower temperatures. The pumping means 4 (available in two sizes to facilitate different depths of wells and sizes of casings) intakes water through the intake valve 6 and pushes the water through the piping 5 through the drain back prevention means 7. The water travels through the drain back prevention means 7 and to the walled trough 15. The animal 20 continues pushing the plate 12 which operates the pumping means 4 until it has finished drinking. The drain back prevention means 7 prevents the water contained in the walled trough 15 from returning to the well 1 and contaminating the water in the well 1. The drain means 8 in the piping 5 allows water in the piping 5 below the drain back prevention means 7 to drain back into the well 1 down to the level of the drain means 8 when the animal 20 stops pushing the plate 12. This prevents the water in the piping 5 from freezing in cold temperatures.

[0034] FIG. Four (4) illustrates the preferred embodiment of the insulation lid 21 and insulation sleeve 22.

[0035] The insulation sleeve 22 of at least four feet in length, is placed into the culvert 2 (not shown). The insulation lid 21 is fitted on top of the insulation sleeve 22 prior to placement of the lid 3. This helps prevent freezing of the pumping rod 9 (not shown) and the piping 5 (not shown) as well as the water in the well 1 (not shown).

[0036] FIG. Five (5) illustrates the preferred embodiment of the intake valve 6.

[0037] The intake valve 6 is attached to the piping 5. This intake valve 6 must be within the water in the well 1 (not shown) in order for the Invention to pump water.

[0038] FIG. Six (6) illustrates a cross-sectional of the preferred embodiment of the Invention (to scale) comprised of well 1, culvert 2, pumping means 4, piping 5, intake valve 6, hood 10, walled trough 15, and dugout 23.

[0039] All components of the Invention may be comprised of any device and material suitable, including but not limited to a piston pump for the pumping mechanism, ABS plastic for the external parts of the pumping means, cast aluminum and nitrile for the inner parts of the pumping means, ABS plastic piping, steel for the culvert, lid, drain back prevention means, pumping rod, lever means, rod stop, trough and hood, styrofoam for the insulation, acrylic for the plate, stainless steel for the connecting device and connecting rod, and cattle or bison for the animal.

[0040] In the foregoing Description, the Invention has been described in its preferred embodiments. However, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the broader scope and spirit of the Invention. Accordingly, the present specifications and embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0041] The descriptions here are meant to be exemplary and not limiting. It is to be understood that a reader skilled in the art will derive from this descriptive material the concepts of this Invention, and that there are a variety of other possible implementations; substitution of different specific components for those mentioned here will not be sufficient to differ from the Invention described where the substituted components are functionally equivalent.

DRAWINGS Key for Diagrams

[0042]1) Well

[0043]2) Culvert

[0044]3) Lid

[0045]4) Pumping means (2 sizes)

[0046]5) Piping

[0047]6) Intake valve

[0048]7) Drain back prevention means

[0049]8) Drain means

[0050]9) Pumping rod

[0051]10) Hood

[0052]11) Lever means

[0053]12) Plate

[0054]13) Rod stop

[0055]14) Connecting device

[0056]15) Walled trough

[0057]16) Suspending and access means

[0058]17) Platform

[0059]18) Insulation pad

[0060]19) Connecting bolt (two positions on the hood)

[0061]20) Animal

[0062]21) Insulation lid

[0063]22) Insulation sleeve

[0064]23) Dugout 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A livestock watering apparatus enabling animals to pump their own water without the need for additional power, in freezing temperatures without the need for a heat source, and providing a device to prevent contamination of the water source, said apparatus comprising: a hood encasing a lever means, which operates a pump rod in piping, through a drain back prevention means, which in turn operates a pumping means, attached to a intake valve which is in the water source.
 2. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the rounded and enclosed hood consisting of powder coated steel and an opening on each side constituting a suspending and access means;
 3. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein two connecting bolt locations on the hood including a backward position for a greater mechanical advantage and a forward location, the connecting bolt consisting of stainless steel and attaching the lever means to the hood by means of lock washers;
 4. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the stainless steel connecting device joining the lever means to the pumping rod by means of jam nuts above and below the connecting device on the pumping rod, and cotter pins holding each end of the connecting device into the lever means, enabling the pumping rod to travel up and down without interference from the drain back prevention means;
 5. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the plate consisting of acrylic is attached to the lever means allowing for a comfortable pushing surface for the animal activating the pumping mechanism;
 6. The combination defined in claim 1, whereby the drain back prevention means consisting of powder coated steel attaches to the floor of the walled trough above the piping, preventing water from flowing back down through the piping from the trough;
 7. Insulation consisting of rigid styrofoam which composes the insulation lid, insulation sleeve and insulation pad, essential in cold climates for the proper functioning of the pumping mechanism in freezing temperatures;
 8. Pumping means consisting of an ABS cylinder with cast aluminum piston containing a nitrile cup which allows ease of movement between the cup and the sides of the plastic cylinder;
 9. The combination defined in claim 7 wherein the cylinder consisting of either a 2″ or 3″ cylinder depending on the needs of the particular pumping means;
 10. A drain means consisting of a {fraction (7/64)} inch hole drilled into the piping 5 feet below the lid;
 11. A pad preferably consisting of styrofoam and concrete surrounding the culvert and sealing around the culvert, preventing contamination of the water source and erosion of the ground around the pumping mechanism. 